On January 11, 2004 at the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, Sarah was shocked to hear her name announced as the winner of the Personality, Horsemanship, Projection and Presentation, and Appearance categories and to be honored with the title of Miss Rodeo Montana 2004!

Sarah is a 22 year-old graduate of Montana State University with a degree in Animal Science and is currently applying to veterinary schools in the Northwest. She is the daughter of Jim and Jabet Wheeler of Swan Valley, Montana and has a sister, Jenna, who is married with one son, Wyatt. Sarah takes pride in helping Wyatt become a true cowboy of the west!

Being an ambassador to the western way of life is nothing new to Sarah as she has been involved educating people about agriculture and rodeo for many years. She was recognized as a Top 5 Ag Ambassador at MSU for two years, held officer positions in the Pre-Veterinary Club throughout college, and taught western equitation riding classes at the college level. Sarah also served as Miss Rodeo Western Montana in 2001 and competed in high school rodeo in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. Her future goals include returning to western Montana after veterinary school to practice large animal medicine and continuing to teach riding lessons.

Sarah is proud to represent Montana and its strong family values, hard-working citizens, and long-standing rodeo traditions. She looks forward to traveling the state and the country, meeting young and old, new and seasoned rodeo fans. With plans to encourage youth involvement in rodeo, Sarah hopes to help the sport of rodeo grow by leaps and bounds during her year as Miss Rodeo Montana.